Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Boucher.
Hi Brad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for more than 30 years. I moved to this area to study with the Lama who built Tashi Choling in a rural valley outside Ashland OR. I am a woodworker by trade and would help with the building of the Temple, as well as build furniture and kitchens for income.
I developed arthritis in my hips and so it was increasingly difficult to sit on the floor. I designed an ergonomic seat that solved the problem, and when I brought it to the various retreats etc, invariabliy, other people would be intrigued and some asked me to make one for them.
This happened enough that I decided to start a business. www.homfurnishings.com
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting small business is always challenging. I would make some seats, take them to farmers markets to sell, get feedback and I made a variety of sizes and options. One man saw me at such a market, instantly recognized how it would solve his problem too, bought one and soon after we bacame business partners.
Building website and getting traffic and promoting on social media has been a steep learning curve, but we are making progress now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a designer/ builder who is inspired by the refined elegance of Japanese woodworking. I try to refine design in a form follows function sort of way such that when there is nothing more to add and nothing more that you can take away, then it is good. I opt for naturale wood with natural oil finish.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I feel that all Craft is a yoga; a sacred relationship and dance where two become one. Where the process is the result. When you do something that captures you in this way, you can’t not do it, and it is intrinsically rewarding. And then serendipity happens. Mentors come in many forms. Networks are all that there is. This is in the context of the Craft.
If the mentor and network are sought primarily for business purposes, then there is a fair bit of persistence and luck required. My approach is that I just try to show up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homfurnishings.com
- Instagram: @homfurnishings
